Micellization

Synonyms

Micelle formation

Definition

Micellization is a process of aggregation of surfactant ions or molecules above a critical concentration (that is referred to as the critical micelle concentration, c.m.c.) to form self-assembly structures referred to as micelles. The process of micellization is evident from consideration of the solution properties of surfactants which show abrupt changes at a critical concentration that is consistent with the fact that above this concentration (the c.m.c.), surface active ions or molecules in solution associate to form larger units that are referred to as self-assembled structures or micelles. The latter can be spherical, rod-like, or lamellar structures. The c.m.c. depends on the surfactant structure and the medium in which they are present. For a surfactant series with the same polar head group (ionic or nonionic), the c.m.c. decreases with increase of the alkyl chain length of the surfactant molecule. For a given alkyl chain, the c.m.c...